Judaism

Judaism

Trope Trainer (Video)

Next week, I chant Torah for the first time. My portion, Tazria, offends modern ears. But it all depends on the telling. Here's mine.

Judaism

Things That Suck but the Talmud Says Are Okay

Some ancient Jewish law is toxic. So why do we still put the Talmud above the lives of human beings as God created us?

Judaism

Shul Shopping or Stopping

Some Jews-by-choice spend years shul shopping. Others never leave their first synagogue. But what about when you just want to stay home with your chicken?

Judaism

Playing Connect the Dots with God

Your relationship with Deity is a game. You're a dot and God's a dot. Connect those dots as you are so moved. Never put anyone else in charge of your game board.

Judaism

In Merry Measure

Get out of your head. Raise your eyes to the heavens. Never forget that joy is the baseline, not the finish line. Whether Christmas is coming or just another Wednesday, our job is to love one another every day.

Judaism

Turkey Under the Wrong Tent, Part One

This year, Jews across America enjoyed the once-in-a-lifetime mashup of 'Thanksgivukkah.' Here's why I wasn't one of them.

Judaism

Time to Change

Rabbinical school. Public transit. Jewish legitimacy. And something you're not expecting. There's been a lot of rearranging this month. Let's talk about who I am--and what I'm gonna be.

Judaism

Why the Mourner's Kaddish Isn't Broken in Reform Judaism

Is Kaddish broken in Reform Judaism? Or do our diverse Kaddish practices indicate a movement willing to embrace all who are in need?

Judaism

The Best Laid (Rabbinical) Plans

Isn't it funny how the fear of falling so often shows up only after we've proven to ourselves our ability to take flight?

Judaism

S'lichot 'Round Midnight

What is the appropriate way to conceive of midnight for Reform Jewish religious purposes? Halachic? Secular? Or a little bit of both?

Judaism

That's Gratitude for You: Making Sukkot Relevant Again

Some say Sukkot has become a marginal holiday for Reform Jews because it isn't rooted in easily understandable rituals. But I can't imagine a holiday more rooted in the fundamentals of being Jewish...and human.

Judaism

Why I'm Not Fasting on Yom Kippur

As we Jews approach the commandments, first we do and then we year. But what happens when we *don't* hear? And when the mitzvah in question is the Yom Kippur fast?